On a warm summer Saturday night in wine country, Detroit City FC took the field against Napa Valley 1839 FC at Dodd Stadium for week 2 of the National Premier Soccer League Members Cup. The fans of both clubs were treated well by the hosts, with back yard games for the children and local craft beer (and wine of course) for the grown-ups.

Napa Valley was looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to the Milwaukee Torrent. Detroit City was flying high after a 2-1 win at home over Chattanooga FC. From the opening whistle, the Motor City madmen put the pedal to the metal as they ran through the gaps in the Napa defense.

Their first shot on goal came when Napa midfielder Onah Power’s errant pass to the wing was intercepted by Detroit right-back Tendai Jirira. After a 30-yard dash to the box, Napa keeper Zachary Price cradled his left-footed shot.

It was only a temporary setback for the Motown marauders. In the 11th minute, Detroit left-back Marcello Borges’ throw-in found midfielder Cyrus Saydee. Saydee delivered a brilliant pass through traffic to the capable foot of striker Yazeed Matthews. He drilled it into the back of the net for Detroit’s first goal.

In the 15th minute, Motor City doubled their lead with some open textbook football. Napa keeper Zachary Price gave the ball away to Detroit midfielder Bakie Goodman. Goodman passed it to Matthews, who slotted it to forward Ryan Peterson. With Napa’s backline stretched, Detroit midfielder Danny Deakin was completely unmarked on the wing for a whipping goal just past the goalkeeper’s fingertips.

From there the floodgates opened up for Detroit. Two minutes later Ryan Peterson found Yazeed Matthews on a fast-break counterattack. Matthews delivered a golazo past the hapless Napa defense for the visitor’s third goal.

In the 20 minute, Napa keeper Zachary Price’s clipped Detroit’s Bakie Goodman’s in the box with a clumsy challenge. The referee had no choice but to awarded Detroit a penalty kick. Cyrus Saydee converted Motor City’s fourth goal.

Detroit took its foot off the pedal and missed a handful of other opportunities while they cruised into halftime.

As the warm California sun entirely disappeared beyond the horizon, the second half began under a blanket of stars. It was hard to see any possibility of a miracle comeback for the hometown club.

The second half seemed more like a practice scrimmage. Despite many more opportunities for the visitors to run up the score, they seldom took advantage of the less experienced Napa squad.

Detroit’s best chance in the second half came in the 76th minute from Diego Casielles on a free-kick from the top of the box which hit the crossbar.

After the final whistle, Detroit players ran to celebrate with a significantly large contingent of supporters who traveled for the match. Napa Valley walked off to the cheers of a very supportive and forgiving crowd.

Unfortunately, Napa never really found themselves on the right foot during this match. They will have little time to shape up as they will face another stiff challenge at home against Chattanooga FC on September 1st. After their bye week, Detroit City will host the Milwaukee Torrent on September 14th.